South- central region suffers drought & water shortages

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 13:10

Currently, the south- central provinces of Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen and the central highlands province of Dak Lak have experienced prolonged drought and extreme water shortage in agricultural production and daily life.

Thousands of cattle are threatened due to water and food shortage. (Photo:SGGP)

Vice director of Department of Agricultural and Rural Development of Ninh Thuan province Phan Quang Thuu yesterday reported that the province has received no rain during past four months, therefore local residents and cattle are facing to food and water shortages.

Hectares of vegetable and fruit crops are withered by hot weather. Annually, rainy season comes from September to November; therefore, dry weather is predicted to shoulder over the provinces on the large scale.

Statistic showed that thousands of cattle dead from lacking of food and water in Bac Ai, Thuan Nam districts. At present, over 150, 000 cattle also are threatened due to water and food shortages. A number of local water reservoirs also are dried out that have affected directly to production and daily life.

Binh Thuan province has suffered long term heat wave in previous months, causing water shortages on the large scale.

Department of Agricultural and Rural Development of Binh Thuan province warned that nearly 530 hectares of fruit crops and 2, 000 hectares of planting and 23, 800 households with 220, 000 residents and 190, 000 buffaloes and cows are facing water shortages.

Tuy Phong is the most seriously affected district by prolonged drought during recent months. Nearly 800 hectares of rice and vegetable crops were met the challenges of drought and water shortages.